CVE-2025-14431: Navian PHP File Inclusion Vulnerability

CVE-2025-14431 Overview

CVE-2025-14431 is a critical Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability affecting the THEMELOGI Navian WordPress theme. The vulnerability stems from improper control of filename parameters used in PHP include/require statements, allowing attackers to include arbitrary local files from the server filesystem. This type of vulnerability (CWE-98) can lead to sensitive data exposure, configuration file disclosure, and potentially remote code execution when combined with other attack techniques.

Critical Impact

Unauthenticated attackers can exploit this LFI vulnerability to read sensitive files from the server, potentially exposing database credentials, configuration files, and other critical system data. When combined with file upload capabilities or log poisoning techniques, this vulnerability could escalate to full remote code execution.

Affected Products

• THEMELOGI Navian WordPress Theme version 1.5.4 and earlier
• All WordPress installations using vulnerable Navian theme versions

Discovery Timeline

• 2026-01-08 - CVE CVE-2025-14431 published to NVD
• 2026-01-08 - Last updated in NVD database

Technical Details for CVE-2025-14431

Vulnerability Analysis

This vulnerability exists due to improper validation and sanitization of user-controlled input that is subsequently used in PHP file inclusion functions such as include(), require(), include_once(), or require_once(). The Navian WordPress theme fails to adequately validate file path parameters before passing them to these PHP functions, enabling attackers to manipulate the file path to include arbitrary local files.

The network-accessible attack vector requires no authentication or user interaction, making this vulnerability particularly dangerous for publicly accessible WordPress sites. Successful exploitation can result in complete compromise of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of the affected system.

Root Cause

The root cause is an Improper Control of Filename for Include/Require Statement in PHP Program (CWE-98). The vulnerable code path in the Navian theme accepts user-supplied input that directly influences which file is included by PHP. Without proper path validation, directory traversal filtering, or allowlist restrictions, attackers can traverse the filesystem using sequences like ../ to access files outside the intended directory scope.

Attack Vector

Attackers can exploit this vulnerability remotely over the network without requiring any authentication credentials. The attack typically involves crafting malicious HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences that manipulate the file inclusion parameter. Common exploitation targets include:

• /etc/passwd - to enumerate system users
• wp-config.php - to extract database credentials
• Log files - for potential log poisoning attacks leading to RCE
• Sensitive configuration files containing API keys or secrets

The vulnerability mechanism involves manipulating URL parameters or POST data that the theme uses to dynamically include PHP files. By injecting path traversal sequences, an attacker can break out of the intended directory and include arbitrary files readable by the web server process.

Detection Methods for CVE-2025-14431

Indicators of Compromise

• Unusual HTTP requests containing path traversal sequences (../, ..%2f, ..%5c) targeting theme files
• Web server logs showing attempts to access sensitive files like /etc/passwd, wp-config.php
• Unexpected file read operations from the web server process in non-standard directories
• Error messages in logs indicating failed file inclusion attempts with traversal patterns

Detection Strategies

• Deploy Web Application Firewall (WAF) rules to detect and block path traversal attempts in request parameters
• Monitor web server access logs for patterns indicating LFI exploitation attempts
• Implement file integrity monitoring on critical WordPress configuration files
• Use security plugins that detect known vulnerable theme versions

Monitoring Recommendations

• Enable verbose logging for PHP file operations and monitor for anomalous include/require activities
• Set up alerts for access patterns targeting theme-specific endpoints with unusual parameters
• Monitor for enumeration attempts against common sensitive file paths
• Track any successful reads of files outside the WordPress installation directory

How to Mitigate CVE-2025-14431

Immediate Actions Required

• Immediately update the Navian theme to a patched version if available from THEMELOGI
• If no patch is available, consider temporarily deactivating the Navian theme and switching to a secure alternative
• Implement WAF rules to block requests containing path traversal sequences
• Restrict PHP file inclusion permissions using open_basedir configuration

Patch Information

Review the Patchstack WordPress Vulnerability Database for the latest patch information and remediation guidance from the security researchers who disclosed this vulnerability. Contact THEMELOGI directly for an updated theme version that addresses this vulnerability.

Workarounds

• Configure PHP open_basedir to restrict file access to the WordPress installation directory only
• Implement strict input validation at the web server level using ModSecurity or similar WAF solutions
• Use WordPress security plugins that provide virtual patching capabilities for known vulnerabilities
• Restrict direct access to theme files via web server configuration rules

# PHP Configuration hardening - add to php.ini or .htaccess
# Restrict PHP file operations to WordPress directory only
php_admin_value open_basedir /var/www/html/wordpress/

# Apache ModSecurity rule to block path traversal
SecRule REQUEST_URI|ARGS|REQUEST_BODY "@contains ../" "id:1001,phase:2,deny,status:403,msg:'Path Traversal Attempt Blocked'"